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Lundin's answer notes:
I just realized that the on-topic page https://electrical.codidact.com/help/topics doesn't address electronics assembly.
It does now. I just added:
Physical construction of circuits or electrical products, within limits. This is generally on topic when there is some engineering aspect, or engineering tradeoffs that need to be made to accommodate manufacturing processes. If an electrical engineer needs to be aware of it, or needs to specify it to manufacturing, then it is on topic. How to wire a light socket in your house, for example, is off topic.
We can't possibly define the line in every gray area. I can't tell just from your brief description whether your automotive cable question would be on topic or not. The more the answers can be based on electrical engineering and physics, the better.
I'd say go ahead and give it a try and see how it's received and the quality of answers it solicits. We might end up editing the question a bit. Worst case, we close it altogether if that's the consensus. This site is young, and we need to figure out what is allowed.
@manassehkatz said in a comment to another answer:
Either way, it fits here and hobbyists should not be discouraged.
I agree that hobbyist questions are not necessarily off topic. The more general case is low-level questions. Questions that ask about the basics are OK. This site is for learning.
However, the question must be about engineering, the underlying physics, the technology, etc, and about trying to learn the concepts. We don't tolerate "gimme da anser" questions where there is no interest in learning. For example:
Bad: What type of solder should I use for my hobby project?
Good: I am trying to find what type of solder to use for my hobby project. I see various types, like 60/40, eutectic, and lead-free. What are the advantages/disadvantages of each type. For do-it-yourself, what characteristics should I be specifically looking for?
I just realized that the on-topic page https://electrical.codidact.com/help/topics doesn't address electronics assembly. This was always ok on "the old site", so I think it should definitely be ok here too.
Basically, all questions about professional electronics assembly should be on-topic, including:
- Soldering, including materials, tools and techniques used for such (hand/reflow/wave).
- PCB manufacturing, stack-ups, materials.
- Any other form of professional electronics assembly. Such as assembly of components, cables, connectors etc.
- Production testing of electronics, including instrument questions (multimeter, scope, spec etc).
- ESD concerns during assembly.
Repair questions concerning any of the above should be fine too, particularly if asking from a professional point-of-view.
Hobbyists without sufficient knowledge or tools to perform repairs of various home electronics is another story...
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